Level indicator and process for assembling a level indicator

Abstract

The invention relates to a level indicator ( 100 ) for measuring the fill level of a container, with an electronic control and evaluation system ( 132, 232 ) and an interface ( 133, 233 ), that are positioned in a housing ( 131, 231 ); a sensor unit with a sensor and attachments; a signal cable ( 110, 210 ) for connecting the electronic control and evaluation system ( 132, 232 ) and the sensor unit; and a connecting device ( 120, 240 ), which produces both a mechanical connection between the sensor unit and the housing ( 131, 231 ) of the electronic control and evaluation system ( 132, 232 ), and an electrical connection between the interface ( 133, 233 ) of the electronic control and evaluation system ( 132, 232 ) and the signal cable ( 110, 210 ), such that both the mechanical and electrical connections produced by the connecting device ( 120, 240 ) are separable. The invention also relates to a process for assembling a level indicator ( 100 ) having a control and evaluation unit ( 130 ).

1. Level indicator for measuring the fill level of a container, comprising:
 an electronic control and evaluation system with an interface, both positioned in a housing, 
 a sensor unit with a sensor and attachments, 
 a signal cable for connecting the electronic control and evaluation system and the sensor unit, and 
 a connecting device, which produces both a mechanical connection between the sensor unit and the housing of the electronic control and evaluation system, and an electrical connection between the interface of the electronic control and evaluation system and the signal cable, the mechanical connection comprising a compressible sealing element engaging the cable, and a fastener, thereby allowing the user to adjust the length of the signal cable and subsequently seal the cable to the sensor unit, 
 wherein 
 both the mechanical and the electrical connections produced by the connecting device are separable ones. 
 
     
     
       2. Level indicator according to  claim 1 ,
 wherein 
 the electrical connection is produced over one or a plurality of terminals positioned in the connecting device. 
 
     
     
       3. Level indicator according to  claim 2 ,
 wherein 
 the terminals positioned in the connecting device are arranged eccentrically. 
 
     
     
       4. Level indicator according to  claim 2 ,
 wherein 
 the terminals positioned in the connecting device are arranged on a diagonal relative to a lateral wall of the process attachment. 
 
     
     
       5. Level indicator according to  claim 2 ,
 wherein 
 the terminals are designed for cable cross-sections of a maximum of 2.5 mm×2.5 mm. 
 
     
     
       6. Level indicator according to  claim 1 ,
 wherein 
 the mechanical connection between the connecting device and the flange is a separable one and the mechanical connection between the connecting device and the housing of the electronic control and evaluation system is an inseparable one. 
 
     
     
       7. Level indicator according to  claim 6 ,
 wherein 
 a circumferential groove is applied to the support surface on which the connecting device rests against the flange, and a seal is positioned in this circumferential groove. 
 
     
     
       8. Level indicator according to  claim 7 ,
 wherein 
 the seal is injected into the groove. 
 
     
     
       9. Level indicator according to  claim 7 ,
 wherein 
 the seal consists of a thermoplastic elastomer. 
 
     
     
       10. Level indicator according to  claim 1 ,
 wherein 
 the compressible sealing element comprises a passageway for the cable and an outer circumference, at least a portion of which forms an angle such that compression by the fastener results in an inward deflection of the compressible sealing element against the cable, thereby securing the cable in a sealing arrangement with the housing. 
 
     
     
       11. Process for assembling a level indicator with a control and evaluation unit, comprising an electronic control and evaluation unit positioned in a housing, an interface, a sensor unit with a sensor and attachments, a signal cable for creating a signal connection between the electronic control and evaluation system and a sensor unit, and a connecting device on and/or in a container, in which at least the following steps are executed:
 a) insertion into the container of the sensor unit connected to the signal cable, 
 b) lead-through of the signal cable through a container wall or through a flange that is used to seal a hole in the container, 
 c) adjustment of the length of the signal cable to the optimal position of the sensor unit, 
 d) creation of a separable electrical connection between the signal cable and the interface of the electronic control and evaluation unit by means of the connecting device, and 
 e) creation of a separable mechanical connection between the housing and a container wall or a flange by means of the connecting device the connecting device comprising a compressible sealing element engaging the cable, and a fastener, thereby allowing the user to adjust the length of the signal cable and subsequently seal the cable to the sensor unit. 
 
     
     
       12. Process according to  claim 11 ,
 wherein 
 to create a separable electrical connection a crimp connection is made between leads, which belong to the signal cable and are stripped and/or provided with end sleeves, and one or a plurality of terminals that are provided on the connecting device. 
 
     
     
       13. Process according to  claim 11 ,
 wherein 
 the connecting device is screwed together with the container wall, or with the flange, in order to create the separable mechanical connection. 
 
     
     
       14. Level indicator according to  claim 11 ,
 wherein 
 the compressible sealing element comprises a passageway for the cable and an outer circumference, at least a portion of which forms an angle such that compression by the fastener results in an inward deflection of the compressible sealing element against the cable, thereby securing the cable in a sealing arrangement with the housing.